PARKERSBURG - A local doctor and his colleagues were honored this month for their efforts following the tornado that hit Butler County.

Dr. William Durbin of Aplington-Parkersburg Family Practice received the Iowa Hospital Heroes Award from the Iowa Hospital Association on Thursday in Des Moines.

Durbin and staff members were recognized for their efforts in the hours, days and weeks following the deadly storm, according to a statement released by Allen Hospital and Iowa Health System.

As soon as the tornado passed, Durbin and his colleagues began helping with the initial triage effort, overlooking their own losses to aid others seeking medical attention.

As the recovery effort developed, Durbin and his staff supported a first aid station. With many roads and homes blocked by debris, they used all-terrain vehicles to take care where it was needed. They also gave out about 400 tetanus vaccinations in the first few days alone.

Throughout the recovery effort, the clinic ran as normal as possible and was open to assist those in need.

Aplington-Parkersburg Family Practice is a part of Iowa Health Physicians, the largest primary care physician group in Iowa and is affiliated with Allen Hospital and Iowa Health System.